COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF CLONDALKIN AREA COMMITTEE

Wednesday, January 15, 2020

MOTION NO. 6

MOTION: Councillor F. Timmons

"That this Area Committee requests South Dublin County Council to present a report on the dog park in Corkagh Park? Another dog was killed there, ripped apart in front of children. This is not the first dog to die in this dog park and there have been many attacks by dogs on other dogs. Please advise what measures the Council can take to make this a safe facility for people to enjoy because as it stands, it is not fit for purpose and it is only a matter of time before someone gets seriously hurt. Please report if the Council is aware of incidents of dogs being killed in other dog parks in the South Dublin County Council Area."

REPORT:

The primary legislation pertaining to dogs is the Control of Dogs Act 1986. It is a legal requirement under the Control of Dogs Act 1986 that a dog must always be under effectual control when outside of the premises of the owner/person in charge of the dog.

Any person who is found to be in charge of a dog that is not under effectual control is liable for a fine in the sum of €100. Failure to pay the fine can result in prosecution with a maximum fine of €2,500 and /or up to 3 month imprisonment if convicted.

Section 4.1 of the South Dublin County Council's Parks and Open Spaces Bye Laws 2011 provide as follows in relation to Dogs:

4.1       Dogs:-

4.1.1    No person:

a) Shall take into or allow to remain in a Park any dog unless it is under effective control on a leash other than in areas designated (dog runs) or at times specified by the County Council.

b) In charge of a dog in a Park shall engage it in coursing or permit it to be engaged in coursing in a Park. 

4.1.2    Persons in charge of a dog in a park shall

a) Take reasonable care to prevent it from causing annoyance to any person using the Park or worrying, chasing, injuring or disturbing any animals, birds or other creatures in the Park.

b) Be liable for any damage or injury which may be caused by the dog

c) Remove it from the Park if so directed by an Employee of the Council or an Authorised Person.

The Council promotes responsible dog ownership and there is an emphasis on the need for dog owners to keep their dog under control. Signage to this effect has been erected in the Council's parks. The park ranger service is responsible for patrolling parks and enforcing the park bye laws including where they relate to dogs in parks. The Dog Wardens enforce the Act as listed above. Dog runs are provided in some parks for those dog owners who wish to allow their dogs to run off leash for a period. However, it is expected that dogs in the runs remain under effectual control while off leash and are returned to the leash once they leave this area.